CaRES Intern/Preceptor Expectations

CaRES faculty preceptors and student interns who have agreed to work together are expected to work effectively to make the most of the internship experience. General expectations are listed below. Note that some items on these lists are not applicable to all internship projects (i.e., laboratory projects versus clinical projects versus community-based projects).

The Faculty Preceptor should . . .

Be a model of professional work habits and attitudes.

Review and discuss with the student the objectives, activities, and anticipated outcomes of the internship before it begins (to be documented by the CaRES Mentoring Contract found on our website).

Explain to the student the structure and function of the lab / research program / division / department, if relevant.

Conduct regular (e.g., weekly) meetings with the student and check with the student periodically to ascertain whether he / she is satisfied with the internship, and if not, to determine how satisfaction can be improved.

As a first step, deal directly with the student if his / her attendance or performance is inadequate; then contact Dr. Waterbor if student performance does not improve thereafter, so that Dr. Waterbor can meet with the student.

Inform Dr. Waterbor if the student resigns from his / her CaRES position or if the student should be dismissed from his / her CaRES position. In most instances, we will transfer the student to another CaRES project so that he / she has the opportunity to make a research contribution and can possibly earn the CaRES stipend anticipated.

After the student has completed his or her internship, complete the CaRES “exit” evaluation form that will be sent to all CaRES preceptors at the end of the summer.

The Student Intern should . . .

Exhibit professionalism in all aspects of the internship including dependability, a superlative work ethic, and maintenance of positive relationships with the preceptor, collaborating faculty, fellow students, and staff.

Remain fully aware of all expectations and agreements about this internship.

Report to work on the schedule agreed upon and be fully prepared to work hard each day.

Become part of the research team and adhere to all research program guidelines, procedures, and policies.

Treat all members of the research team with respect, regardless of their degrees, rank, duties, or limitations.

Inform the preceptor as far in advance as possible of anticipated work absences, due to illness, vacations, or other reasons, so that arrangements can be made to get the work done by other members of the research team.

Deal directly with the preceptor if mentorship seems inadequate, work duties seem trivial, or if there are other concerns. If concerns are not resolved promptly, contact Dr. Waterbor who will intervene if necessary.

Attend the “CaRES Seminar Series” (scheduled for selected Monday afternoons) and prepare a brief oral presentation or a poster presentation of research methods, results, and conclusions for one of the sessions.

If possible, work with the preceptor and collaborators to prepare and present an abstract or poster at a national meeting and / or publish a paper relating to the CaRES research project.

After the internship, complete the CaRES “exit” evaluation form that will be sent to all CaRES interns at the end of the summer; and possibly complete an additional evaluation form for non-UAB students and for students who did CaRES projects at HudsonAlpha.